2022 Volkswagen Taigo revealed: Coupe-styled T-Cross not bound for Australia
Volkswagen cuts a chunk off the T-Cross's rear end, creating the coupe-themed Taigo – but it's not coming to Australia.
The 2022 Volkswagen Taigo small SUV has been revealed in Europe – though an Australian launch isn't planned.
The 'coupe'-styled twin to the T-Cross 'light' SUV – and a relative under the skin to the Polo city car – the new Taigo is the European-market, Spanish-built equivalent of the Nivus, a near-identical coupe SUV sold by Volkswagen in South America.
The new coupe-inspired model blends the T-Cross and Polo's sharp styling elements – including the former's upper grille design and full-width rear tail-light signature – with unique lower bumpers and a roof that begins a steep slope from the C-pillar back.
LED headlights are standard-fit, while higher-trim models feature matrix LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Measuring 4266mm long, 1757mm wide and 1494mm high, riding on a 2566mm wheelbase, the Taigo measures 158mm longer than the T-Cross, but 89mm lower, owing to its sportier rear roofline. Wheelbase and width are all but shared between the two models, given they share the same MQB A0 platform and market positioning.
There's 438 litres of boot space behind the rear seats – down on the T-Cross's 455 litres.
Inside, a 6.5- or 9.2-inch touchscreen (running Volkswagen's latest software) sits in the centre of the dashboard, while a digital instrument cluster is placed in front of the driver – both lifted out of the facelifted Polo city car
A touch-based control panel is used for the air conditioning and heated seats, while wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite navigation are also available.
European buyers have a choice of a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engines in 70kW and 81kW states of tune, or a 110kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder.
The entry-level three-pot sends drive through a five-speed manual only, the 81kW three-cylinder offers a choice of six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions, while the four-cylinder is bolted to the dual-clutch auto 'box as standard.
Volkswagen's IQ.Drive active safety suite is available as an option in Europe, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-following assist (for Level Two semi-autonomous driving).
The 2022 Volkswagen Taigo will go on sale in Europe later this year. Volkswagen Australia has confirmed there is "no discussion" around a local launch for the model.
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